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Michelle Obama's Blackberry

February 03, 2009 12:12 PM

Compton ABC News' Ann Compton Reports: Michelle Obama has a blackberry and all the legal complications that come with living in the White House.  Her staff confirms that the First Lady's official business has to be preserved by law, just as the President's text messages have to be.

"Mrs. Obama does use a blackberry," press secretary Katie McCormick Lelyveld tells ABC News, "and any emails relating to the carrying out of the official or ceremonial duties of The First Lady would be subject to the Presidential Records Act."

Shortly after the election, President Obama told ABC's Barbara Walters his wife is an avid blackberry user. "I think she's worse than me lately."

"You know," he added,  "I suspect she's going to try the same negotiation" to keep a blackberry despite security concerns. "She may be able to get away with some things I can't get away with."

But the First Lady's staff confirmed Mrs. Obama's official texts are preserved subject to the law.

Last month, officials negotiated a secure way for the president to hold on to his Blackberry -- Obama has expressed that he'll be using it to communicate with senior staff and a select group of personal friends.

February 3, 2009 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (13)

User Comments

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I just read where Michelle Obama would do something different than Laura Bush because she said what Laura Bush did, did not work. What a shame. Laura Bush is certainly a lady of class, doesn't look stupid or play the little girl part - Laura Bush was a great first lady and Michelle Obama would do herself good to follow in someone's footsteps other than Hillary. Poor Michelle, she will probably change her mind when the media love affair with the Obamas are over and with many of us it never began.

Posted by: Jane | Feb 3, 2009 12:24:15 PM

I am curious, are these 2 getting any money from Blackberry or something? All you here about are these Blackberrys.

I have a blackberry, my wife and my son also have one. Like mine, but I don'e love it or anything. Now, since we have 3 and Blackberry wants to pass a little ad money our way.. I will LOVE IT TOO.

Posted by: ajax | Feb 3, 2009 12:29:24 PM

You know, if he's only using it to communicate with senior staff -- in the same city, I'd assume, and perhaps the same darn building, and select friends, then how is this helping him with his so-called "bubble" he finds himself in.

As with most things, Obama is lying.

Posted by: Liz | Feb 3, 2009 12:40:41 PM

MOBAMA: Hi Mary, yes, I'll be happy to bring cupcakes to Sash'a Brownie Troop Party. Anything else you want me to bring?
MaryMom: No that's fine, thanks for helping out. See you then!

Gee, such a national security risk.

Posted by: Amy | Feb 3, 2009 12:44:57 PM

I want to have a question answered. Since her Blackberry is now public property and subject to disclosure:

-what ringtone(s) does Michelle and Barak use?
possibilities:
1) The Internationale
2) Ee Mungu Nguvu Yetu
3) Allahu Akbar

or what?

Posted by: Ed | Feb 3, 2009 12:52:06 PM

"As with most things, Obama is lying."

Huh?

Posted by: Silky_Johnson | Feb 3, 2009 4:05:53 PM

I doubt very seriously that First Lady Michelle Obama said anything to disrespect Former First Lady Laura Bush. She appears to have great respect for her! Both President Obama and First Lady Obama appear to be extremely classy people, so the comment that the person prior to this blog wrote seems a little unreal. First Lady Obama does not seem to be doing anything but being herself. Doesn’t appear to be trying to follow in Secretary of State Clinton’s shoes at all. Perhaps if she aspires to be like anyone, it is her mother, the woman that she has referred to as “INCREDIBLE” time and time again. Cut the First Lady some slack and give her a chance. Try to also remember that she is human just like the rest of mere mortals. If by chance you’re still mad about the outcome of the election, then perhaps consider avoiding jumping to conclusions. Try not to let the outcome of the election cloud your judgment about one of the women that I believe will be viewed in the years to come, as one of the best First Lady’s we have ever had! I don't think the media affair with the Obama's will end anytime soon. If and when it does, then there won't be long before the media is talking about 2012.

Posted by: Sfaye | Feb 3, 2009 7:23:59 PM

Obama said about his wife ""She may be able to get away with some things I can't get away with."

Just Obey the law you above the law creep Obama. Why don't you find more tax evaders and crooks while you at it. Your helping out the IRS do their job.

Posted by: sly | Feb 3, 2009 8:54:36 PM

Obama said about his wife ""She may be able to get away with some things I can't get away with."

Just Obey the law you above the law creep Obama. Why don't you find more tax evaders and crooks while you at it. Your helping out the IRS do their job.

Posted by: sly | Feb 3, 2009 8:54:55 PM

Golly gee whiz! With all those Black-
berries around, you'd think somebody
would tell Michelle to bake a pie.
If she did, I'm sure Martha Stewart,
Oprah, and Emeril would be there on
an all-station feed to tell us it was
the BEST one they ever ate.

Posted by: grizzly bare | Feb 4, 2009 2:04:05 AM

There are some God awful hateful people on this site!

Internet anonymity is quite the hideout for hatefilled, miserable, spineless wusses...

But surely Karma will catch up with you lot sooner than later...you betcha!

Posted by: Cindy | Feb 4, 2009 3:54:00 AM

People need to just rationally state their concerns rather than come across as extremist seemingly crazy people.

Posted by: Ryan | Feb 4, 2009 12:25:10 PM

Jane,

Whatever your reasons for not supporting Michelle or Barack or your business but I along with most of the people blogging are strong supporters of the Obamas. And I am especially proud of Michelle. She is a strong woman and intelligent woman with integrity and character. She is a role model for black women everywhere and women in general. So stop the hatin'.

Posted by: LoveMichelle | Feb 4, 2009 1:45:56 PM

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